Trump Administration Opens Civil Rights Probes Into Five U.S. Medical Schools Over Admissions

The U.S. Department of Education has launched civil rights investigations into five medical schools over alleged racial discrimination in admissions, expanding President Donald Trump's campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in higher education.

The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights announced on Wednesday that it is investigating the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, and William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Federal officials said the inquiries focus on potential racial discrimination in admissions but did not provide specific evidence supporting the allegations. The investigations are part of the Trump administration's broader effort to eliminate DEI policies, arguing that admissions and hiring decisions should be based solely on merit.

East Carolina University said it complies with all applicable state and federal laws, as well as relevant court rulings, and will cooperate with the federal investigation. Dartmouth College also expressed confidence that its admissions process meets legal standards.

President Trump has repeatedly argued that diversity-focused policies unfairly disadvantage applicants, including white students and men, and has signed executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI programs across both government agencies and the private sector.

Supporters of diversity initiatives, however, contend that such programs help address longstanding inequalities affecting women, racial and ethnic minorities, and members of the LGBTQ community.

The latest investigations follow the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark 2023 ruling that struck down race-conscious admissions policies at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, effectively ending affirmative action in college admissions.

The Trump administration has also increased scrutiny of universities over issues including pro-Palestinian campus protests, transgender policies, climate-related programs, and diversity efforts. Civil rights organizations argue that these actions threaten academic freedom, free speech, and due process protections.

Separately, the U.S. Department of Justice opened civil rights investigations in June into 15 medical schools, alleging that institutions including Yale University, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of California, San Diego favored Black and Hispanic applicants during admissions. Those universities have defended their admissions policies, saying they are rigorous, merit-based, and compliant with the law.